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saucy_bookdragon 's review for:
Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor
by Xiran Jay Zhao
adventurous
challenging
funny
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Xiran Jay Zhao really has a talent for making history fun, from their YouTube and TikTok to their novels, they make figures like Wu Zetian and Qin Shi Huang accessible and human.
I don't know anything about YuGiOh, but I breathe Percy Jackson and found the comparison spot on. This is similar in that it's a funny and action packed book that teaches Chinese history and folklore. However, it goes beyond just teaching history, it also discusses it with nuance, a major theme throughout is the idea that most major historical figures weren't good people and what that means for their legacies. It also discusses contemporary issues such as Islamophobia in China (Zachary himself is Muslim) and internalized racism.
Zhao handles these themes delicately, making this a rich middle grade book. I'd imagine it'll be great for middle school/late elementary aged kids to learn more about China while also being entertained thanks to the fun characters, quippy dialogue, and imaginative action sequences.
I don't know anything about YuGiOh, but I breathe Percy Jackson and found the comparison spot on. This is similar in that it's a funny and action packed book that teaches Chinese history and folklore. However, it goes beyond just teaching history, it also discusses it with nuance, a major theme throughout is the idea that most major historical figures weren't good people and what that means for their legacies. It also discusses contemporary issues such as Islamophobia in China (Zachary himself is Muslim) and internalized racism.
Zhao handles these themes delicately, making this a rich middle grade book. I'd imagine it'll be great for middle school/late elementary aged kids to learn more about China while also being entertained thanks to the fun characters, quippy dialogue, and imaginative action sequences.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Islamophobia
Moderate: Violence